…the realities of farming. California’s Governor Race Could Shape the Future of Farming One of the biggest themes throughout the interview was the importance of California’s upcoming governor election. Isom…
California Agriculture Faces Early Harvests, Water Pressure, and Growing Regulatory Concerns
…growers are working to protect farmworkers through hydration, shade, and safety precautions during extreme temperatures. “Farmers are good people that take good care of their farm workers,” the show noted….
Rural Electrification: The Moment That Transformed American Farms
…and bring electricity to farm communities. The push for rural electrification would go on to transform American agriculture—improving living conditions, boosting farm productivity, and connecting rural families to the broader…
California Farmers Face Mounting Pressure from Water, Fuel Costs, and Peach Industry Collapse
…electrification mandates. Isom warned that California farmers are increasingly unable to compete with producers in other states and countries operating under far fewer restrictions. “We’re losing farmers and we’re going…
Historic Iowa Farmland Auction Draws Crowds and Millions
A Rare Moment in American Agricultural History In a remarkable snapshot of rural America, Mark Oppold highlights an extraordinary farmland auction that captured the attention of the local farming community…
California Governor Debate Leaves Agriculture Behind as Water, Taxes, and Policy Battles Intensify
…California growers. The discussion emphasized that agriculture remains one of California’s largest economic drivers, yet many voters and policymakers still do not fully understand the challenges facing farmers. Rising regulations,…
Pest Pressure Builds Across California Specialty Crops – Part 1
As California specialty crops move deeper into the growing season, growers are facing pressure from a wide range of pests across multiple commodities. Todd Burkdoll, Field Market Development Manager with…
One-Room Schoolhouses: A Cornerstone of Rural American Agriculture
…search of farmland and opportunity, the one-room schoolhouse became a fixture of rural communities. These schools were simple in design but powerful in purpose—educating children of all ages under one…
David Tangipa Says California Is at a Crossroads for Farmers, Water, Taxes and the Future of the State
…Tangipa repeatedly encouraged farmers, ranchers, and rural Californians to participate in elections at every level if they want to preserve family farms and pass them on to future generations. California…
California Policy, Meat Industry Concerns, and Governor Race Take Center Stage for Agriculture
The AgNet News Hour focused on major policy concerns impacting agriculture, including rising scrutiny of the meat industry, ongoing debate over California’s leadership, and the broader economic pressures facing farmers…
Location, Land, and Legacy: Farmland Values Still Tell the Story
A Constant in Agricultural History Farmland values have always played a central role in the story of American agriculture. From the earliest days of settlement to today’s highly productive farming…
From Farming to Fast-Growing Trees: Darren Schmall’s Vision for California Agriculture
…Fresno counties, and his daughters now represent the fifth generation involved in farming. After attending both California Polytechnic State University and California State University, Fresno, Schmall returned home with a…
Madera Grower Darren Schmall Expands Agriculture into Agritourism, Innovation, and Sustainability
…of farm costs are tied directly to regulation, further tightening margins for producers. Labor costs are another concern, with California wages significantly higher than other states. While necessary, those increases…
Potter Valley Water Battle: Farmers Fight to Save Lifeline
…future of agriculture in California. A Community’s Lifeline Under Threat At the heart of the issue is the Potter Valley Project, a vital water system serving approximately 750,000 Californians. In…